DRAGON’S DEN ON BBC PUTS GAMING ALERTS BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Viewers of BBC 2 were given another look at the Dragon’s Den episode where two business partners, Emmie Matthews and Ed Stevens, received a £200,000 investment to give their company Gaming Alerts Limited a kick start when the show re-aired recently.

Theo Paphitis decided to make the £200,000 investment for 30% of the company, which was settled after he refused offers of 10 and 25% stake. Many of the other Dragons were a bit skeptical of the business model and decided to pass on the idea, which gave Theo a leg up in the negotiation process. In the end, however, all parties were happy with the deal.

Although Gaming Alerts, http://www.gamingalerts.co.uk/, began with and still does promote all aspects of online gaming, the company soon found that online bingo is the booming industry in the UK, and around the world. The company has since decided to focus more of their attention and efforts on the online-bingo industry.

Additionally, after doing extensive research into the international bingo market, along with their experience on the portal site, the company has launched a new bingo site in Spain. Feriabingo.com, which launched last week, is an exclusively Spanish-speaking online-bingo site targeted for players in Spain.

“After finding out how saturated the market is in the UK, we’ve decided to focus our attention on other European markets,” Ed said. “We’re excited about the new opportunities we have in the works with Theo and hope Spain proves to be a success.”

In keeping with the online-bingo focus, the company launched a new Online Bingo Forum at http://onlinebingoforum.co.uk/, which provides bingo players with a place to discuss their likes and dislikes about the popular operators as well as any other topics of interest. This addition is expected to attract even more bingo players to the site, continuing its growth.

The Gaming Alerts Industry News section is now featured in Google News UK, significantly expanding its overall reach. The site provides only the best online gambling news and continues to attract new readers every day.

eCOGRA Advocate A Panellist At Conference

ex Rees, the Fair Gaming Advocate at the London-based player protection and standards body eCOGRA, will be one of a panel of experts discussing Responsible Gambling at the Asian Gambling Briefing starting in Singapore on the 21st October.
 
Organiser Beacon Events has invited Ms. Rees, who routinely mediates hundreds of player disputes every year, to join the high-powered panel, which will be moderated by Panos Makridis, Responsible Gaming & Compliance Manager for Galaxy Entertainment Group.
 
Other members of the panel will be Macau-based Francisco Gaivao, Senior Legal Counsel, Melco Crown Gaming and Prof Hao Zhidong, Associate Professor & Head of Department of Sociology, University of Macau.
 
The discussion will embrace the importance of CSR and Responsible Gambling programs and their relevance to social responsibility; how Asia compares with other regions in the implementation of responsible gambling policies; the relationship between CSR and public policy and the appropriate level of government involvement; best practice for exclusion problems and how to increase operator accountability.
 
Rees established eCOGRA’s Responsible Gambling Requirements, and continues to ensure they are correctly implemented across well over 100 leading online gambling websites and mobile operations. She has organised and hosted various underage and responsible gambling training programs for eCOGRA certified operators, and has also been responsible for coordinating and motivating industry efforts which ultimately resulted in the International Responsible Gambling Code, adopted by industry trade organisations RGA, EGBA, IGC and leading online gambling jurisdictions.
 
She joined eCOGRA in 2003 with over 15 years of management and customer relations experience in both land-based and online gaming businesses.
 
Her experience includes managing customer relations for software developer LiveBet Online, where she was the primary point of contact for clients regarding development and operational issues. Responsibilities included interpreting client needs to develop a software solution and overseeing the installation, testing and training of the platform.
 
Prior to that, Rees managed a staff of 40 administrative and call centre employees for SuperBet, which ultimately became South Africa’s first online gambling operation. While there, she managed customer dispute resolution, established a customer care protocol and oversaw its implementation. Rees also assisted in wagering software development and testing for SuperBet and served as a liaison to the S.A. Gambling Board regarding compliance issues.

Online betting battle moves to local court

he bitter battle between private betting companies and EU countries that operate state-owned gaming systems took a new twist on Tuesday when a senior adviser at Europe’s top court said that it was up to the local courts to decide whether Portugal acted legally when it extended its gambling monopoly to internet-based betting.

An advocate-general at the European Court of Justice said that the Portuguese decision to prohibit online gaming operators based outside the country from offering online services could be legal if it met certain conditions.

These would include a public interest test and necessary protection of consumers. The advocate-general said that it would be up to the national court in Portugal to decide whether the Portuguese legislation was, indeed, appropriate for meeting those aims.

The case is the first in which the ECJ has considered whether a country can legitimately extend a state gaming monopoly to the internet, and could have wide implications. Private gaming companies, keen to expand their operations in the EU’s €400bn ($540bn, £280bn) gambling market, have argued repeatedly that restrictions aimed at keeping them out of certain countries breach principles of free and fair trade.

The Portuguese case began when Bwin, an online betting company in Gibraltar, and the Liga Portuguesa de Futebol Profissional were fined €74,500 and €75,000 respectively for offering “mutual betting by electronic means” and advertising their services.

However, the companies contested the fines and questioned the legitimacy of the Portuguese law extending the gaming monopoly to online betting.

Kentucky’s Gambling Assault Featured On Digg, YouTube

What is it about politicians? They seem great when running for office and once they get there they either do dumb stuff or reach for powers not given to them. In Kentucky’s case, it’s both, unfortunately, and when Governor Beshear talks about the threat of online gambling, every sensible thing he ever said flies out the window. 

This was the same guy that wanted but failed to get the General Assembly on board to allow casino gambling so the state wouldn’t lose millions upon millions of tax revenues as citizens drove across a bridge to Indiana. That made sense, more sense than predecessor Ernie Fletcher’s ridiculousness about how casinos turned the areas around them into third world countries as the light of the casinos prove just too powerful for the gambling moths. Fletcher’s arguments sounded similar to the National Retail Federation’s about the addictiveness of eBay. Thieves and whores and thievin’ whores abound while children starve to death.   

But Beshear’s argument for seizing the domains of 141 online gambling sites is unconscionable on a whole other level. In this case, Beshear extends that authority with a specious—at best—argument about protecting the Commonwealth. “[Online gambling]’s hurting our legalized gaming activity. It hurts fair and mutual betting. It hurts our lottery. It hurts charitable gaming that our churches and softball teams do to support themselves.” 

Don’t get me started on Christian gambling. For every Bingo hall, there’s a Baptist on the corner opposing a new racetrack. But softball teams? Does he mean raffles? Next he’ll be the grand defender of March Madness office pools. 

While defending his position by asserting online gambling is an affront not only to state-sanctioned gambling, but also to church-and-softball-team-sponsored gambling, he glazes over the more important issue: jurisdiction. Remember how New York decided it had the authority tocollect sales tax on out-of-state sales? The situation in Kentucky is similar in overreaching authority. 

Probably no one would have made much of a stink if Beshear had announced a plan to block illegal websites. Constitutionally or not, online gambling is illegal in the Untied States thanks to Bush’s DOJ and their grand imaginings of granted power. But Beshear wants to take the domains from companies based overseas. It’s not just an intestate commerce issue. It’s an international commerce issue. 

Beshear is right to believe lots of these sites are shady—easily technologically fixed in favor of the site—but that’s why we have fraud laws on the books. Opposition to Beshear gathered in Frankfort on Tuesday for a hearing. The Governor likewise characterized the organization as shady because they wouldn’t reveal exactly whom they were representing. 

That’s because the Interactive Media Entertainment & Gaming Association represents more than just a handful of international gaming sites. They represent pretty much anybody doing business on the Internet. On their website, they list the types of issues iMEGA takes on: freedom, privacy, security, choice, content rights, commerce & taxation, net neutrality, citizen journalism, ethics and best practices. 

As for how Joe Brennan, Jr., chair of iMEGA responded to Beshear calling his organization shady, he didn’t mince any words in this YouTube videothat’s been voted up on Digg and is now officially embarrassing our whole state across the Internet. “The only person I would suggest who has acted in a shady and unethical manner thus far is the governor and his council. . . . If I’m gonna be called shady and my trade association is gonna be called shady by the governor of Kentucky, that is like the pot trying to call the kettle black.”

Ordinarily, them’s fightin’ words. But I cain’t gather up the gumption to defend my governor on this one.

KENTUCKY EXPECTATIONS

Next Tuesday’s resumption of debate on the legality of the attempt by the state of Kentucky to seize control of 141 international online gambling domains (see previous Online-Casinos.com/InfoPowa reports) continues to generate significant interest both within and outside of the industry.

Judge Thomas Wingate of the Franklin Circuit Court, who had earlier signed off on a temporary seizure of domains through registrars at the behest of outsourced lawyers working for the state, faced a platoon of legal representatives from online gambling companies, trade associations and public interest groups supporting freedom of speech and the Internet at the initial hearing last week.

Lawyers for both sides argued legal technicalities centered on the legal standing and identification of domain owners and claims that the action against 141 domain names took place “under cover” and with no notice to their clients. They sought a continuation to brief Judge Wingate on matters of law which they contended will demonstrate the court has no jurisdiction and should dismiss the action.

Judge Wingate gave all involved until October 7 to submit detailed legal briefs on their positions and qualifications for legal standing. The judge pointed out that the case was a complex matter in law where decisions reached could set precedents and have far reaching consequences outside the online gambling industry . It was therefore appropriate that those with the right to be heard submitted their arguments for debate and examination.

However, the judge sounded an ominous note when he told lawyers representing the domain names at issue: “You are going to have to eventually pony up and say who these people are.”

In the meantime the judge’s temporary seizure of the domains remains in place.

The October 7 hearing looks likely to be even more crowded as opponents to the Kentucky state’s action, which officials have admitted is aimed at forcing operators to bar Kentucky online gamblers and pay unspecified compensation to state coffers, present their arguments in a case that is already attracting wide mainstream publicity.

The state’s lawyers, employed on a contingency “no win no pay” deal, have claimed that online gambling falls within existing legislation which prohibits ‘gambling devices’ because domain names can be classified as such devices, a point that will no doubt be hotly contested. Online gambling is not specifically declared illegal in Kentucky, where Governor Steve Beshear has proved to be a staunch supporter of land-based casino and horseracing activity.

Among those who will have legal representatives present are the Internet Gaming Counsel, The Poker Players Alliance, iMEGA, the Internet Commerce Association and the Americans for Tax Reform, and it is understood that an open press conference is planned for the day before the October 7 hearing where a diverse range of representative bodies will make relevant statements.

The executive director of the Poker Players Alliance, John Pappas is driving the press conference and urges all interested parties to discuss participation with him by using the PPA website.

Kentucky Poker Sites Saved

Following what would have been a major setback to online gambling sites in the USA, the Poker Players Alliance breathed a sigh of relief on Friday. The Kentucky Commonwealth had earlier staunchly supported a measure that called for the state seizure of 141 domain names of illegal online gambling sites. The forfeiture of these sites to the state of Kentucky was on the cards, until Judge Thomas Wingate had his say.

Executive director of the PPA, John Pappas, was well pleased with Friday’s court ruling. Effectively this means that there is a temporary restraint placed on any attempt to seize control of the domain names of the online gambling sites until the operators of those sites have had their day in court. This means that the domain names will be retained by their owners – for now.
The Commonwealth of Kentucky and its governor are ardently opposed to illegal online gambling. The main reasons are financial: illegal online gambling operating in Kentucky and offering betting to IP addresses in Kentucky is viewed with disdain. Kentucky’s profitable horse racing industry stands to lose an unmitigated fortune from illegal gaming sites. The governor is under heavy pressure to protect this entrenched industry. The foregone tax revenue alone that would be lost to gaming companies would mean less for the governor’s office and less spending on the horse racing industry.

Judge Wingate wants to hear the other side, which may result in a settlement. Pappas argued in his amicus brief opposing the attempted state seizure of domain sites, that poker was not a game of chance, but indeed a game of skill. It was for that reason that there should be a rethink on the state’s actions. The state is less convinced. They believe that in order to stop illegal gambling in Kentucky, via state IP addresses, all online gambling sites should be seized.

State attorneys compiled the ‘list of the damned’ where Kentucky residents, using Kentucky addresses were able to bet online. The exhaustive list contains both domestic and foreign operators. Among the big gambling names being targeted were: Full Tilt Poker, Absolute Poker, Bodog, PokerStars and many more. Such is the concern among online gambling operators that several sites have already transferred their operations to UK sites. The state is seeking to introduce technology that would effectively block Kentucky residents from gambling online, in addition to seeking compensation for prior damages.

Castle Technologies Inc. to Prepare White Paper About $48 Billion Online Gaming Industry

Castle Technologies, Inc. (Pink Sheets:CSTL) is pleased to announce that the Company will prepare a White Paper to provide an informative insight to the growing number of global online poker players and the business as a whole. The White Paper is expected to be completed within the next three weeks and customers and investors interested in receiving a copy can go to the company’s Web site, www.castletechnologiesinc.com, and fill out a request form.
Several members of Castle Technologies, Inc. will contribute to the White Paper in order to provide factual information on their new software currently being Alpha tested. Analysts project the online gaming industry will be $48 billion by 2010 and exceed $125 billion by 2015. The White Paper will also discuss the poker games being developed by the Company: Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and 7-Card Stud as well as the patent pending progressive jackpot features and new tournament structures for the online gambling software.
“We’re writing this paper to present the information about our online poker software to our customers and investors and to demonstrate how our patent pending progressive jackpot feature makes the game more entertaining for the players. We want to inform them about the fundamentals of our online poker software and the online poker industry. The White Paper will also define how our software relates to our customers’ satisfaction in participating in these games, and increased revenues for the Company and our investors,” stated David Comeau, President and CEO of Castle Technologies, Inc.
About Castle Technologies, Inc.:
Castle Technologies is a software development and servicing company specializing in providing innovative Web based gaming to the growing international online population. Its market focus is the multi-player poker enthusiast that has continued to spread internationally and grow at a phenomenal rate. The Company will license these products and services to offshore companies, and receive royalties based on the usage of the systems and support in place.
Safe Harbor Act: Statements regarding financial matters in this press release other than historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company intends that such statements about the Company’s future expectations, including future revenues and earnings, technology efficacy and all other forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. The Company is a development stage company who continues to be dependent upon outside capital to sustain its existence. Since these statements (future operational results and sales) involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, the Company’s actual results may differ materially from expected results.

Guam Decides on Online Gambling

In what can only be described as a soap opera of opinions, Guam’s religious elders are somewhat divided, somewhat unified, on the issue of gambling in their island nation. At the core of the issue – at least according to overzealous religious doctrine – the mere word ‘gambling’. The connotations of the word sound alarm bells for purists, who tend to associate the word with the devil’s handiwork.

While Jesuit priest and associate professor Richard McGowan debates the benefits and morality of gambling in Guam, infuriating the Catholic Church, others are pushing for a resolution. That is about to come in the form of a mailed ballot to all of Guam’s 49 000 registered voters.

Included in the ballot will be three statements including: opponents, proponents of a casino initiative, and a neutral analysis by the GEC (Guam Election Commission). Proposition A would see casino gambling (slots, chance games, card games and table games) being legalized at Guam Greyhound Park in Tamuning.

If all goes well, the euphemism ‘responsible gaming’ will become accepted literature in Guam. The vociferous chants of opponents will possibly endure the windfall benefits of a properly regulated gambling industry. A regulated gambling industry allows for certain requirements to be met prior to gaining access to gambling activities.

Australian Sports Club Partners With Online Gambling Operator

Online gambling exists whether or not the American government and United States sports leagues wants to admit it. While American sports leagues continue to operate as if gambling on their sports does not exist, other countries’ teams are embracing online gambling.

The Gold Coast Titans have formed a partnership with Betezy, an online gaming company. The interesting part of this scenario is that the Titans are not the only club that is expected to enter into this type of agreement.

Manly and Manchester, the two teams that will face off in The premiere league decider, also have stated that they will most likely be entering into agreements with online gambling operators as well.

In fact, many of the clubs are moving towards this type of partnership. The NRL has approved some of these partnerships while they have denied others. They are reviewing all cases involving sports betting companies.

“While we accept that sports betting is a reality and that clubs are looking to build revenue streams, we will retain the right to examine each proposal on a case by case basis,” said NRL Chief Executive, David Gallop.

In the United States, sports leagues such as the NFL have pretended that gambling does not exist on their sport. They like to believe that the millions of viewers that tune in to their championship game, the Super Bowl, do so for the product.

The reality is that most of the people who watch could care less about the product and are only interested in one of the gambling wagers they have on the game.

In Australia, they are recognizing that sports betting exists and allowing to let the industry grow with regulations in place to ensure the integrity of their game.

ClubsNSW rejects credit-card gambling

THE New South Wales clubs industry has rejected an offer from online gambling giant Centrebet to set up computer terminals in its venues, saying it is taking a stand against the internet gaming industry.

Centrebet approached the industry representative body ClubsNSW in April with an idea to set up an internet cafe-style system linking gamblers directly to the online company’s website.

Clubs were offered a 50 per cent cut of all revenues generated on the computers, which would be paid for on gambler’s credit cards.

A similar mobile phone system was also proposed by Centrebet, Australia’s largest online bookmaker.

ClubsNSW represents almost 1400 registered clubs.

The ClubsNSW board today revealed it had rejected the offer in June, saying it was taking a stand against credit card and internet gambling.

It was the first of two approaches made by online betting agencies, with smaller player betezy.com.au making a similar offer last week.

ClubsNSW chairman Peter Newell said the Federal Government should step in and ban credit card betting.

“It’s one thing to gamble with your own money, it’s a completely different thing to gamble with money that is being provided on credit,” he said in a statement today.

“ClubsNSW has taken a stand at a financial cost – one which we believe is the responsible action to take.

“Now it is up to Government to address the issue.”

Mr Newell said problem gambling affected less the one per cent of Australian adults, but recent research showed the number of internet problem gamblers was rising.

“Recent research shows that the number of internet problem gamblers is on the rise at well over 20 per cent,” he said.